Vertically folding rake

Abstract

A vertically folding rake assembly is configured for forming a windrow of cut agricultural crop material. The rake includes a trolley; a pair of rake arm suspension supports interconnected with the trolley and movable in a vertical plane between a raised position and a lowered position, and a vertically movable linkage arrangement configured for moving each of the rake arm suspension arrangements between the raised position and the lowered position. The rake further includes a rake arm suspended from each of the rake arm suspension supports. Each of the rake arm suspension supports includes a linkage pivotally connected to the trolley and a vertical support member that is pivotal about a vertical pivot axis and in support of the rake arm. The rake arm suspension arrangement further includes a pivot connection to provide pivoting movement of the rake arm about a horizontal axis, and a counterbalancing biasing arrangement to center each rake arm.

1. A rake for raking agricultural crop material, the rake adapted to be towed by a tow vehicle in a forward direction of travel, comprising:
 a trolley; 
 a pair of linkages interconnected with the trolley and movable in a generally vertical plane between a raised position and a lowered position; 
 means for moving the linkages between the raised position and the lowered position; 
 a pair of rake arm supports, wherein each rake arm support is suspended from one of the linkages and is pivotably interconnected therewith for movement about a generally vertical pivot axis, and wherein each rake arm support includes a horizontal support member that is pivotable about the generally vertical pivot axis; 
 a rake arm, carrying a raking means, interconnected with each rake arm support, wherein the rake arms and the raking means are in a lowered operative position when the linkages are in the lowered position and are in a raised inoperative position when the linkages are in the raised position; and 
 a pair of control members, wherein each of the control members is interconnected between the trolley and one of the rake arm supports, wherein the pair of control members are configured to pivot the pair of rake arm supports about the generally vertical pivot axes to an open position when the linkages are in the lowered operative position, and to pivot the pair of rake arm supports together about the generally vertical pivot axes to a closed position toward one another when the linkages are in the raised inoperative position; 
 wherein the linkages and the rake arm supports are configured and arranged to maintain the rake arm supports in a suspended orientation during movement of the linkages between the raised inoperative position and the lowered operative position and when the linkages are in the raised position. 
 
     
     
       2. The rake as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each rake arm support includes a horizontal support member that remains in a horizontal orientation during movement of the rake arms between the lowered operative position and the raised inoperative position. 
     
     
       3. The rake as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each rake arm support includes a sleeve configured to receive the vertical support member interconnected with the rake arms. 
     
     
       4. A rake for raking agricultural crop material, comprising:
 a trolley for movement of the rake along the ground; a pair of rake arms; and 
 a rake arm suspension arrangement for suspending each rake arm from the trolley, and including a pair of vertical support members, wherein each support member is configured to pivot about a vertical axis, and wherein each vertical support member has a lower end connected to one of the rake arms through a horizontal axis pivot connection; and 
 a lifting and lowering means associated with the rake arm suspension arrangement for moving the rake arms between a raised, inoperative position and a lowered, operative position; 
 wherein the rake arm suspension arrangement includes the horizontal axis pivot connection for providing pivoting movement of the rake arm about a generally horizontal pivot axis when the rake arm suspension arrangement is in the lowered operative position. 
 
     
     
       5. The rake of  claim 4 , wherein the horizontal axis pivot connection includes a pivot pin in combination with a pivot plate. 
     
     
       6. The rake of  claim 4 , further comprising;
 a counterbalanced biasing arrangement associated with each rake arm suspension arrangement for biasing each rake arm toward a centered position about the generally horizontal pivot axis. 
 
     
     
       7. The rake of  claim 6 , wherein the counterbalanced biasing arrangement includes a first biasing assembly and a second biasing assembly positioned on opposite sides of the horizontal pivot axis. 
     
     
       8. The rake of  claim 7 , wherein each rake aim suspension arrangement includes a vertical support member to which the rake arm is mounted, and wherein each of the first and second biasing assemblies is connected by a bracket to the vertical support member. 
     
     
       9. The rake of  claim 8 , wherein the first and second biasing assemblies each include a first spring and a second spring generally aligned with the vertical support member, wherein the first and second springs are positioned on opposite sides of the vertical support member. 
     
     
       10. The rake of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second biasing assemblies each further include a pair of bolts and a pair of locking nuts securing the pair of bolts to the first and second brackets, each of the pair of bolts extending into an interior of one of the first and second springs. 
     
     
       11. The rake of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second biasing assemblies each further include a pair of tightening nuts and a pair of washers biased between each of the tightening nuts and one of the first and second springs, wherein each tightening nut is received by and configured to move along each bolt in biasing manner against one of the washers and one of the first and second springs such that the tightening nut selectively adjusts the force of one of the first and second springs. 
     
     
       12. The rake of  claim 9 , wherein a lower end of each of the first and second springs is secured by a plate to the rake arm. 
     
     
       13. The rake of  claim 4 , wherein the lifting and lowering means comprises a vertically movable linkage arrangement interconnected between the trolley and the rake arm suspension arrangement. 
     
     
       14. The rake of  claim 13 , further comprising an opening and closing arrangement interposed between the trolley and the rake arm suspension arrangements for moving the rake arms apart to an open position when the linkages are operated to lower the rake arms and for moving the rake arms together to a closed position when the linkages are operated to raise the rake arms. 
     
     
       15. The rake of  claim 4 , wherein the rake arm suspension arrangement includes an adjustment arrangement for varying an angle defined between the rake arms when the rake arms are in the lowered, operative position. 
     
     
       16. The rake of  claim 15 , wherein the adjustment arrangement includes a turnbuckle assembly connected to each of the pair of rake arms, wherein adjustment of a length of the turnbuckle assembly selectively varies the angle defined between the rake arms in the operative position. 
     
     
       17. The rake of  claim 4 , wherein each of the pair of rake arms is carried by a vertical support member that is pivotal about a vertical axis. 
     
     
       18. The rake of  claim 17 , wherein each of the rake arm suspension arrangements includes a horizontal support member having a sleeve configured to receive the vertical support member. 
     
     
       19. The rake of  claim 18 , wherein each rake arm suspension arrangement includes an adjustment arrangement for varying an angle defined between the rake arms when the rake arms are in the lowered, operative position, wherein the adjustment arrangement includes a turnbuckle assembly connected to each of the pair of rake arms, wherein adjustment of a length of the turnbuckle assembly selectively varies the angle defined between the rake arms in the operative position, and wherein the vertical support member is secured to a head disposed above the sleeve, wherein the head is connected to an arm extending radially outward from the sleeve, and wherein a first coupling of the turnbuckle assembly is connected at the arm and a second coupling of the turnbuckle assembly is connected at the horizontal support member. 
     
     
       20. The rake of  claim 19 , wherein the arm, includes a first opening disposed radially outward relative to a second opening in the arm, wherein the first coupling of the turnbuckle assembly is connected to the arm by a pin inserted in the first opening when the rake arm is positioned in an operative position. 
     
     
       21. The rake of  claim 20 , wherein the sleeve is attached to a radially extending tab having an opening generally aligned with the second
 opening of the arm such that the pin engages the first coupling of the turnbuckle assembly with the arm and the tab in a manner that restrains movement of the rake arm. 
 
     
     
       22. A rake for raking agricultural crop material comprising:
 a trolley for movement of the rake along the ground; a pair of rake arms; and 
 a rake arm suspension arrangement for suspending each rake arm from the trolley, wherein the rake arm suspension arrangement includes a horizontal axis pivot connection for providing pivoting movement of the rake arm about a generally horizontal pivot axis, wherein the rake arm suspension arrangement further includes a pair of vertical support members each configured to pivot about a vertical axis, each vertical support member having a lower end connected to one of the rake arms; 
 wherein the pivot connection includes a pivot pin in combination with a pivot plate, and wherein the lower end of each of the vertical support members includes a slot to receive the pivot pin. 
 
     
     
       23. A rake for raking agricultural crop material, comprising:
 a trolley for movement of the rake along the ground; 
 a pair of rake arms; and 
 a rake arm suspension arrangement for suspending each rake arm from the trolley, wherein the rake arm suspension arrangement further includes a horizontal axis pivot connection for providing pivoting movement of the rake arm about a generally horizontal pivot axis, wherein the rake arm suspension arrangement includes a pair of vertical support members each configured to pivot about a vertical axis, each vertical support member having a lower end connected to one of the rake arms; 
 wherein the pivot connection includes a pivot pin in combination with a pivot plate, and wherein the pivot plate is fixed to the rake arm. 
 
     
     
       24. A rake for raking agricultural crop material comprising:
 a trolley for movement of the rake along the ground; 
 a pair of rake arms; 
 a rake arm suspension arrangement for suspending each rake arm from the trolley, wherein the rake arm suspension arrangement includes a horizontal axis pivot connection for providing pivoting movement of the rake arm about a generally horizontal pivot axis, wherein the rake arm suspension arrangement includes a pair of vertical support members each configured to pivot about a vertical axis, each vertical support member having a lower end connected to one of the rake arms; and 
 a counterbalanced biasing arrangement associated with each rake arm suspension support arrangement for biasing each rake arm toward a centered position, 
 wherein the counterbalanced biasing arrangement includes a first biasing assembly and a second biasing assembly positioned on opposite sides of each vertical support member. 
 
     
     
       25. A method of operating a rake having a plurality of raking means positioned at an operating position for creating a windrow of cut crop material in the field, the rake drawn across the field by a tow vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
 extending a vertically movable linkage arrangement by operation of a cylinder assembly, wherein the cylinder assembly is connected so as to raise a suspension arrangement carrying the plurality of raking means for creating the windrow of cut crop material; 
 securing the suspension arrangement in a raised, inoperative position: retracting the cylinder assembly so as to lower the suspension arrangement and associated raking means; 
 pivoting the suspension arrangement in an outward direction from a central axis of the rake while lowering the suspension arrangement; 
 pivoting the rake arm carrying the raking means to an open position for creating the windrow of cut crop material; and 
 receiving the suspension arrangement with a cushioned stop member attached to a trolley in support of the suspension arrangement and the raking means. 
 
     
     
       26. A rake for raking agricultural crop material, comprising:
 a trolley for movement of the rake along the ground; 
 a pair of rake arms; and 
 a rake arm suspension arrangement for suspending each rake arm from the trolley, wherein the rake arm suspension arrangement includes a horizontal axis pivot connection for providing pivoting movement of the rake arm about a generally horizontal pivot axis; 
 wherein each rake arm suspension arrangement is interconnected with a lifting and lowering means for moving the rake arm between a raised, inoperative position and a lowered, operative position, wherein the lifting and lowering means comprises a vertically movable linkage arrangement interconnected between the trolley and each rake arm suspension arrangement, and wherein the vertically movable linkage arrangement includes: 
 an upright member, and 
 a guide member received within a passage defined by the upright member in a telescoping manner. 
 
     
     
       27. The rake of  claim 26 , wherein the upright member is mounted at and between a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate of the trolley. 
     
     
       28. The rake of  claim 26 , wherein the guide member is configured to move in a vertical direction relative to the upright member. 
     
     
       29. The rake of  claim 28 , wherein the lifting and lowering means further comprises a cylinder assembly having a cylinder end and a rod end that is extendible and retractable from the cylinder end. 
     
     
       30. The rake of  claim 29 , wherein the cylinder end of the cylinder assembly is connected to the trolley, and the rod end of the cylinder assembly is connected by a pin to an upper end of the guide member such that extension and retraction of the cylinder assembly causes extension and retraction of the guide member in a telescoping manner and in a vertical direction relative to the upright member. 
     
     
       31. The rake of  claim 29 , wherein the cylinder end of the cylinder assembly is secured by a mounting bracket connected at the upright member. 
     
     
       32. The rake of  claim 31 , wherein a reinforcing bar is attached between the mounting bracket and the trolley. 
     
     
       33. The rake of  claim 26 , wherein the vertically movable linkage arrangement further includes:
 a pair of front actuating links each having a lower end pivotably connected to one of the linkages. 
 
     
     
       34. The rake of  claim 33 , wherein the vertically movable linkage arrangement further includes a pair of rear actuating links each having a lower end pivotably connected to one of the linkages. 
     
     
       35. The rake of  claim 34 , wherein an upper end of each of the rear actuating links includes a slot, wherein the slots are positioned so as to be in an overlapping relationship with each other and so as to receive a pin therethrough such that extension of the cylinder assembly lifts the upper end of each of the rear actuating links and the pair of linkages attached thereto. 
     
     
       36. The rake of  claim 33 , wherein an upper end of each of the front actuating links includes a slot, wherein the slots of the front actuating links are positioned so as to be in an overlapping relationship with each other and so as to receive a pin therethrough such that extension of the cylinder assembly lifts the upper end of each of the front actuating links and the pair of linkages attached thereto. 
     
     
       37. A rake for raking agricultural crop material, the rake adapted to be towed by a tow vehicle in a forward direction of travel, comprising:
 a trolley; 
 a pair of linkages interconnected with the trolley and movable in a generally vertical plane between a raised position and a lowered position; 
 means for moving the linkages between the raised position and the lowered position; 
 a pair of rake arm supports, wherein each rake arm support is suspended from one of the linkages and is pivotably interconnected therewith for movement about a generally vertical pivot axis; and 
 a rake arm, carrying a raking means, interconnected with each rake arm support, wherein the rake arms and the raking means are in a lowered operative position when the linkages are in the lowered position and are in a raised inoperative position when the linkages are in the raised position; 
 wherein the linkages and the rake arm supports are configured and arranged to maintain the rake arm supports in a suspended orientation during movement of the linkages between the raised inoperative position and the lowered operative position and when the linkages are in the raised position; and 
 wherein each rake arm support includes a horizontal support member that remains in a horizontal orientation during movement of the rake arms between the lowered operative position and the raised inoperative position. 
 
     
     
       38. A rake for raking agricultural crop material, comprising:
 a trolley for movement of the rake along the ground; a pair of rake arms; and 
 a rake arm suspension arrangement for suspending each rake arm from the trolley; and 
 a lifting and lowering means associated with the rake arm suspension arrangement for moving the rake arms between a raised, inoperative position and a lowered, operative position; and 
 a counterbalanced biasing arrangement associated with each rake arm suspension arrangement for biasing each rake arm toward a centered position about the generally horizontal pivot axis; 
 wherein the rake arm suspension arrangement includes a horizontal axis pivot connection for providing pivoting movement of the rake arm about a generally horizontal pivot axis when the rake arm suspension arrangement is in the lowered operative position.